Assessment of Climate Vulnerability on Orange Farming System in Batola

The Siamese orange is a superior commodity because it has economic value and is specific to the characteristics of the tidal swamp agroecosystems. Uncertainty triggered by natural conditions and the market causes farmers to lose money, fail to harvest, and suffer, thus affecting the sustainability of their farming business. The final result of the farmer's business describes the magnitude of the Impact felt by the farmer and the farmer's ability to support the losses that can be experienced. This assessment aims to have a comprehensive CVA (Climate Vulnerability Assessment) for the primary commodities in 3 sub-districts in Batola (Carbon, Mandasatana, and Marabahan) and translate the results of activities with recommendations for these various districts. The research was conducted using survey methods, direct observations in the field, Focus Group Discussions, and in-depth interviews with respondents, namely farmers, traders, as well as community leaders and related agencies (Department of Food Crops and Horticulture (DTPH) and District Agricultural Extension Center) totaling 100 people. The DTPH of Batola Regency also collected secondary data. The data collected were analyzed descriptively. In the district of Cerbon (type A), the highest choice is citrus, then seasonal and mixed crops. The major decisions in the Mandastana sub-district (type B) are monoculture oranges, then seasonal crops, diverse crops, and Galam forest plants. In the Marabahan sub-district (type C), apart from citrus, oil palm and rubber have been developed as industrial support plants

DNA barcoding ferns in an unexplored tropical montane cloud forest area of southeast Oaxaca, Mexico

DNA barcoding can be useful for species identification and phylogenetic analysis, but its effectivity has not been verified in most neotropical cloud forest plants. We tested three plastid barcodes, rbcLa, matK, and trnH-psbA, in selected pteridophytes, a well-represented group in these forests, from a little-explored area in Oaxaca, Mexico, applying the CBOL criteria for barcoding. We used BLASTn, genetic distance, and monophyly tree-based analyses employing neighbor-joining (NJ), maximum likelihood (ML), and Bayesian inference methods. Universal primers for rbcLa and trnH-psbA were successfully amplified and bi-directionally sequenced, but matK could not be amplified for most species. rbcLa showed the highest species discrimination in BLASTn (66.67%). trnH-psbA exhibited higher significant interspecific divergence values than rbcL and rbcLa + trnH-psbA (two-sample sign test, P value < 2.2e−16). Using NJ and ML phylogenetic trees, monophyletic species were successfully resolved (100%), differing only in support values and displaying full agreement with the most recent fern classification. ML trees showed the highest mean support value (80.95%). trnH-psbA was the only barcode that could detect the Elaphoglossoideae subfamily. Species discrimination did not increase using rbcLa + trnH-psbA. rbcLa is useful for fern barcoding, trnH-psbA is most helpful for phylogenetic analyses, and matK may not work as a universal barcoding marker.

KCNQ and KCNE Isoform-Dependent Pharmacology Rationalizes Native American Dual Use of Specific Plants as Both Analgesics and Gastrointestinal Therapeutics

Indigenous peoples of the Americas are proficient in botanical medicine. KCNQ family voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are sensitive to a variety of ligands, including plant metabolites. Here, we screened methanolic extracts prepared from 40 Californian coastal redwood forest plants for effects on Kv current and membrane potential in Xenopus oocytes heterologously expressing KCNQ2/3, which regulates excitability of neurons, including those that sense pain. Extracts from 9 of the 40 plant species increased KCNQ2/3 current at –60 mV by ≥threefold (maximally, 15-fold by Urtica dioica) and/or hyperpolarized membrane potential by ≥-3 mV (maximally, –11 mV by Arctostaphylos glandulosa). All nine plants have traditionally been used as both analgesics and gastrointestinal therapeutics. Of two extracts tested, both acted as KCNQ-dependent analgesics in mice. KCNQ2/3 activation at physiologically relevant, subthreshold membrane potentials by tannic acid, gallic acid and quercetin provided molecular correlates for analgesic action of several of the plants. While tannic acid also activated KCNQ1 and KCNQ1-KCNE1 at hyperpolarized, negative membrane potentials, it inhibited KCNQ1-KCNE3 at both negative and positive membrane potentials, mechanistically rationalizing historical use of tannic acid-containing plants as gastrointestinal therapeutics. KCNE dependence of KCNQ channel modulation by plant metabolites therefore provides a molecular mechanistic basis for Native American use of specific plants as both analgesics and gastrointestinal aids.

Pemanfaatan Tumbuhan Hutan sebagai Bahan Pengobatan Tradisional oleh Masyarakat Suku Dayak Meratus Kalimantan Selatan

The use of forest plants as medicinal materials is an essential part of the life of indigenous peoples, one of which is the Dayak tribe of the Meratus Mountains. This study aimed to analyze the use of plants as medicinal ingredients for the indigenous Cabai community in Patikalain Village, Hantakan District, Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency, which is part of the Meratus Mountains Dayak tribe. The method of data collection was done by semi-structured interviews. Selected respondents were determined by purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analyzed by tabulation matrix. There were 18 types of forest plants that were used as medicine by the indigenous people of Cabai. The most widely used plant habitats for medicinal purposes were shrubs/shrubs and trees. Roots and leaves were the most widely used plant parts in medicine. There were at least 23 diseases that could be treated with various types of plants. Forest plants were widely used for internal medicine compared to external medicine. Treatment using plant ingredients was the first alternative used by the community in medicine. If this did not work, then community members who were sick would be directed to seek treatment at the Local Health Care Unit. If modern medicine did not work, the next alternative, then additional treatment using traditional rituals, was the last option. This finding was a contribution to knowledge in the traditional medicine system of the local community.

REGRESSION MODEL FOR ASSESSMENT OF VOLUME OF MERCHANTABLE WOOD OF EVEN-AGED NOT-TENDED FOREST PLANTATIONS OF SCOTS PINE ON CARBONATE SUBSTRATES IN B&H

UDK: 630*52:519.233.5]:582.475(497.6) As the result of sporadic afforestation of not-grown forest land in the past, today in B&H we have significant areas of even-aged forest plants of Scots pine of different ages. Estimate of yield capabilities of habitats/sites of these stands is one of very real issues in even-aged management planning for this tree species. In order to get the clear idea on the value of yield of even-aged stands, it is necessary to conduct long-term researches on permanent experimental plots. Considering that for the results of those researches it is necessary to wait approximately for the duration of production periods for specific tree species, to gain orientation solutions of the problem we can apply short-term researches – using temporary experimental plots set in stands of different ages. Members of the Forest Management Department of Forestry Faculty in Sarajevo in a period from 1985 to 1990 gathered data on temporary experimental plots in existing even-aged forest plantations of spruce, Scots pine and black pine in order to research their growth, structural and production characteristics. Part of those data for Scots pine is used for making of this document. Objective of this research was, based on data on measurement of 77 experimental plots positioned in even-aged not-tended plantations of Scots pine Bosnia-wide, to reach relevant information on the value of wood volume depending on their age and site quality, and to create the most favourable regression model for assessment of volume of large wood value based on known values of the stand taxation elements that could be easily and quickly determined. Besides this, in this document by comparing gained results with appropriate data from other authors we have evaluated productivity of even-aged not-tended forest plantations of Scots pine in B&H.

Experience In Creating Artificial Forest Plants In The Territory Of Belgorod Region

The experience of creating artificial forest plantations on the territory of the Belgorod region within the framework of the “Green Capital” project is considered. As part of the project, it was envisaged to create more than 100 thousand hectares of forest plantations on chalk slopes and erosion-hazardous areas of the region for 2010 - 2020, that is, bringing the forest cover of the region to 15% - the optimal value for the region. For the period 2010 - 2020 forest plantations were laid on the territory of more than 87.7 thousand hectares. For afforestation in the region, species are recommended that provide sustainable, durable and ecologically capacious afforestation: as the main species on chernozem soils: Quercus robur L., Q. rubra, Fraxinus excilsior L., Larix sibirica Ledeb .; on sandy soils - Pinus sylvestris L. Reforestation has been carried out since 2010 on the territory of 22 districts of the region. In 2016-2020 more than 6 thousand hectares of oak forests were created. As a result, the species Q. robur occupies an area of 22.2% of the area of artificial plantations; P. silvestris accounts for 13.2% of the area of artificial plantations in the oblast. Next in terms of planting volumes are such crops as A. hippocastanum, R. pseudoacacia and F. excélsior - 12.1%, 24.7% and 14.4%, respectively. The share of fruit crops, as well as B. pendula, A. platanoide, A. campestre, and U. laevis, is 11.7%.

Effects of Adjacent Land Use Types on the Composition of Vascular Flora in Urban Forest Ecotones in the Southern Poland

The purpose of the research was the recognition of edge effects regarding similarities and differences of vascular flora in undergrowth layers in the urban forest ecotones. Four types of urban forest neighborhoods were analyzed: ecotones adjacent to the manor park, the agriculture field, housing estates and the road. The plant compositions in the forest ecotones were compared with the plant compositions in the urban forest interior and the forest nature reserve. The phytosociological type of studied forests was a subcontinental oak-hornbeam one (Tilio-Carpinetum). Diagnostic plant species (e.g., characteristic) for forests from the non-diagnostic ones were identified. Forest consistent plant species dominated in the ecotone adjacent to the manor park and in the interior of urban forests too, but the best conditions for these plants were inside the forest nature reserve, where native consistent forest plants showed the highest dominance when comparing all studied areas. A higher anthropogenic pressure from the adjacent areas results in supporting the growth of inconsistent plant species in the forests, and these plants are mostly represented by plants belonging to grass and synanthropic communities. Another conclusion drawn from our research is that the protected forest, represented by a nature reserve in the city, provides better “shelter” for native forest plants than the urban forest without any protection. Ultimately, a permanent challenge is to achieve and maintain the balance between nature and the impact of anthropogenic activities on urban forests in the city. The high quality of green areas, biodiversity, including forests, implicates possibilities of sustainable development in cities. The research results will be useful for local urban planners and ecologists during their work on strategies of city development, including shaping of green infrastructure.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Yellow Wood (Coscinium fenestratum) Fruits Peel from East Kalimantan

Background: Yellow wood (Coscinium fenestratum) is one of the typical forest plants of East Kalimantan. The hallmark of this plant is the roots, stems and the fruits pulp have a yellow color. There have been many studies on its use and potential in treating liver disease. However, there is limited research about the use of their fruits peel. Objectives: The purpose of this study was as an initial screening of the antioxidant and antibacterial activity from yellow wood (Coscinium fenestratum) fruits peel. Material and Methods: The yellow wood fruits peel was extracted using methanol solvent to obtain the MeOH extract of their fruits peel. The DPPH test was carried out to determined its antioxidant activity (25,50 and 100 ppm). The agar well difusion method was carried out to determined its antibacterial activity. Phytochemical tests are also carried out to determined the secondary metabolites of that fruits peel. Results: The results of the phytochemical test showed that the fruits peel contained alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and tannins, but there were no terpenoids or steroids. The fruits peel has an antioxidant activity (58%) at 100 ppm concentration. While the antibacterial test showed strong inhibition at 100 ppm concentration on S. mutans, S. aureus, P. acne and E. coli bacteria. Conclusions: The fruits peel of the yellow wood has compounds that have strong antibacterial activity and medium antioxidant activity.

Optimized method for RNA extraction from leaves of forest tree species

Extraction of ribonucleic acid (RNA) from woody plants is a difficult task due to the peculiarities of plant material rich in polysaccharides and starch. The available techniques are often ineffective, since they result in the absence/reduced quality/reduced amount of RNA in the final preparation. The method we have optimized is based on the use of cethyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), purification by phenol-chloroform extraction, use of lithium chloride and ammonium acetate. The method showed high efficiency for the extraction of RNA from the leaves of birch and poplar samples, in vitro and mature plants, in comparison with previously used methods (extraction using NucleoSpin® RNA Plant (Macherey-Nagel, Germany) columns, Su (2009) method, standard guanidine thiocyanate method). Electropherograms of RNA preparations showed its high integrity and concentration (up to 85 ng/μl), significantly higher purity of the preparation (up to 2.7 times). Purification of the preparation in the process of extraction can significantly reduce the yield of desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The optimized method is highly reproducible and can be used for further research, complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis, qualitative and quantitative PCR analysis. The method allows obtaining high-quality RNA from other objects of agricultural and forest plants.

Impacts of Ozone on Forest Plants and Ecosystems

Globally, tropospheric ozone is one of the most important air pollutants and greenhouse gases, with adverse effects on forest trees and the function of ecosystems [...]